AI for Good: How SMEs Can Shape a Positive AI Future

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just transforming businesses; it is reshaping society at large. Discussions often revolve around the economic implications, but AI also carries profound societal impacts, from

to its potential for addressing global challenges. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), engaging with AI responsibly and contributing to its positive development is not only a moral imperative but also an opportunity to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

SMEs and the Societal Impact of AI

Here’s how SMEs can contribute to and benefit from a positive AI future:

• Ethical AI Implementation: As discussed in Article 19, SMEs must prioritise data privacy, fairness, and transparency in their AI applications. By ensuring their AI tools are free from bias and that data is handled responsibly, SMEs build trust with their customers and set a positive example within their communities. This commitment to ethical AI can become a strong brand differentiator.

• Human-Centric AI: SMEs can lead the way in demonstrating how AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them. By using AI to automate mundane tasks, free up employees for more creative work, and enhance decision-making, SMEs can create more fulfilling job roles and a more productive workforce. This approach showcases AI as a tool for human empowerment, not displacement.

• Local Economic Growth and Innovation: By adopting AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and identify new market opportunities, SMEs can strengthen their local economies. This leads to job creation, increased competitiveness, and a more vibrant business ecosystem. SMEs can also leverage AI to develop innovative solutions that address local community needs, fostering social and economic development.

• Digital Inclusion and Upskilling: Many SMEs operate in communities where digital literacy might be lower. By providing accessible AI tools and offering training to their employees, SMEs can contribute to broader digital inclusion. This upskilling not only benefits the individual employees but also enhances the overall digital capabilities of the local workforce, preparing them for the future economy.

• Environmental Sustainability: AI can be a powerful tool for promoting environmental sustainability within SMEs. From optimising energy consumption in buildings to streamlining

and reducing waste, AI can help businesses operate more eco-efficiently. By adopting green AI practices, SMEs can contribute to environmental protection and enhance their corporate social responsibility.

• Contributing to Open AI Ecosystems: Where appropriate, SMEs can contribute to open-source AI projects or share their insights and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment for AI development. This collective effort can accelerate the creation of beneficial AI solutions that serve a wider public good.

Recommended AI Tools to Get Started

Here are some practical AI tools that can help implement these strategies:

• ChatGPT / Claude - For content creation, customer service automation, and brainstorming
• Jasper AI -

copy and content generation

• HubSpot AI - CRM with built-in AI for sales and marketing automation
• Zapier - Workflow automation connecting 5,000+ apps
• Grammarly Business - AI writing assistant for professional communications